By WILLIAM RUSHER / Columnist Some commentators have compared the current argument over whether “intelligent design” merits mention in high school classes on evolution to the famous Scopes “monkey trial” in Tennessee in 1925. They seem to feel it’s the same old dispute, dolled up in new clothes. They miss the delicious irony that it…

By Daniel R. Castro / Columnist Hurricane Katrina is a reminder that you never know when or where tragedy is going to strike. As the fourth anniversary of 9/11 approaches, we are also reminded we do not choose tragedy — it chooses us — randomly and suddenly.Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims…

By DUANE SHERRILL / Columnist Who do you have to cheese off to get the live hurricane assignment on The Weather Channel?I’m as adventure loving as the next guy, but I think I’d have to draw the line at making myself a tackling dummy for Mother Nature like the coverage team for Hurricane Katrina. There’s…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hurricane Katrina interrupted farm shipments through New Orleans, where more than half of the nation’s grain exports depart for overseas. It’s too early to know the damage to shipping terminals or other facilities, government and industry officials said. “It’ll probably be a ripple effect,” said Paul Rohde, president of MARC 2000, a…

By J. Dale Beaty / Extension Leader Hopefully the rain that’s in our forecast as I’m writing this will come on and give us some relief. Many folks reported getting one-half to one inch over the weekend. I’m certain that this past weekend’s rain was welcomed by all farmers across the county. If we get…

By Mark A. Halcomb / UT Area Nursery Specialist I had noticed a few nurseries had strung a white, flat tape or ribbon around individual blocks of nursery stock, to keep deer out, I assumed. I really had no idea how well it worked, until I was asked about it. I spoke with those using…

Birth Annoucements Baby BoyBilly Webster King, son of Ova Louise Hargis and Gary King of Gruetli, was born July 26 at River Park Hospital. The infant weighed 7 pounds, 7.5 ounces and is welcomed by sister, Crystal Dawn King. He is the grandson of the late Bill Hargis, True and the late Fred King, all…

Vinson’s Crossroads FCE Club met Aug. 18 in the Magnolia Room. Lois Self and Eva Taylor served as hostesses for the monthly meeting. President Self called the meeting to order and welcomed Sandra Cantrell to the gathering.Naomi Smith conducted a devotional by reading scripture from James 5:7-8. She also read “A Farmers Wife” and led…

The final cruise-in of the year will be held downtown Saturday night, with the McMinnville Cruisers car club playing host to over 50 vehicles of all shapes and sizes.“They range from T-Models to brand new models,” said Jeanann Knudson of the local club which holds several such meets during the spring and summer months. “Anybody…

By MARGARET HOBBS / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard Myrtle S. Grieves, celebrating her 80th birthday, is congratulated by sons, from left, Bill Brown and Tommy Savage. (Photo provided) A surprise 80th birthday celebration was given for Myrtle S. Grieves by her sons and their wives, Bill and Darlene Brown and Tommy and Carla…